Gurmo

I'm interested in hearing more. What were some of the challenges, fears, and missteps that may have happened. If you would rather connect outside of this forum I'd be happy with that as well. On my personal note, I am putting a date out there now that I want to leave where I am and get back into bedside nursing. Thanks!

I am thinking of returning after being out for a bit. I'd love to pick your brain more in regards to not only how you landed a job, but the aftermath. Were there things that came back relatively quick, did you wish you had taken a refresher course, where are you now especially in regards to things around COVID. If it would be easier, or if you prefer, we can connect outside of this forum. Thanks!

I too am actually considering getting into research. I've been in a nurse for only 3 years but while I was in school I really excelled in the research aspect of things. I was heavily recruited by my school to move on and get my PhD and go into research but after 1 class I couldn't stomach the thought of going to school for another 5+ years of school, not at my age. I recently read in the latest ENA Connection magazine that some places will actually take you on as a research nurse without a Masters or PhD. I guess I'd really love to do is shadow someone first. I know it is a sort of tedious position but I think it would be something I'd really enjoy. Anyone heard of becoming a research nurse w/o a masters/PhD?

I do think a lot of it is education. I mean many of these people don't know that the ED docs are not going to "follow" his/her case and make sure the meds we gave are going to work. I've found that some patients don't realize we are just going to make sure they are going to live but that a PCP will actually make sure the problem gets resolved.

Get help! Pretty much whenever a kido comes in and an IV is ordered, other nurses in the ED realize this and come to help. Wrap the kid in a burrito, one to hold the arm, another to hold the body still (some times the parent can help with that). Just remember that kid's veins are not tiny. I've considered throwing in 20s in peds but typically use a 22. I just think a lot of people think they need to start with a 24 right away. Also in a code, remember your role. I often get caught up in wanting to do a bit of everything. You can't push drugs if you are doing compressions. If you started on drugs, stick to drugs. If you find yourself not actively doing anything, or waiting for your turn for compressions, try to think about what else you could be doing. Will the pt need an extra line? Will you have to crack another drug box? Is the room a mess that could cause hazards for those working on the pt? Also, if there are more than ample enough people in the room, consider helping by looking after the pt's of the nurses actively working on the pt.

Yes be proactive and always ask questions. I think everyone enjoys shedding knowledge especially if someone is actually interested in learning.

I like how the OP never replied. haha. I smoked when I applied to the program. Now I can say that I've been smoke free for quite some time because of what I learned in nursing school. Basically prior to nursing school I only thought about lung and throat cancer. I had no idea how bad it was affecting my vascular system. When I was doing clinicals on a med-surg floor, I don't know how many DM II + CHF + CAD + etc etc who also smoked. My state has a high rate of smokers and many of the people that I dealt with were smokers. This really lead me to quit smoking because I didn't want to be 55 and taking a bunch of meds! Incidentally, nursing school also led me to lose weight (after I graduated that is) and I work out on a more frequent basis. Since it helped me live my life better, I find that I can talk to others about their daily habits as well.

If you are carrying a touch, then download a drug app. I had that problem of not enough pockets while I was in school as well. I simply sewed more pockets on my scrubs. Our school scrubs only had a chest pocket and a cargo pant pocket. I added two shirt front pocket and another cargo pant pocket. Another handy thing is sewing on a strap with a snap attachment. Then you can loop your hemos, scissors, hand sani (in a pouch) through them. Honestly I need to design scrubs, especially for males.

Congrats. I am a new grad (Aug) that got hired in the ER right away. It has been very exciting and honestly I am not sure I'd enjoy another department (but of course I have nothing to compare it to!). As a new grad, I would recommend to never portray like you know it all. There is another nurse who was hired about 3 months prior to me who had about 6 months of ICU experience. I was told that she was already on some folks list because she comes off as someone who doesn't care what you want to teach them because she knows already. Does that make sense? Even if someone is showing you something you've done already or are pretty confident in, sit back and let them show you. They may teach you something they don't; and even if that isn't the case, then they felt better for thinking they showed you something new. Does that make sense? Good luck and have fun!

I wish I knew more medical terminology for Spanish. I thought I could speak it well but the other day I couldn't figure out how to tell someone their blood pressure with out sounding like a fool.

Temporal temp reads takes a mere seconds. I usually grab one on discharge and one triage.

I always ask the pt what usually works for them. The ones who know they are a hard stick usually know where their veins are hiding. Also take your time when looking for one (unless it is emergent). I've stuck some strange places, I think my fav spot on bigger people is the boob.

Good luck! I am hoping it works as well!

How do you check this?

OMG I just tried it again and got the "Our records indicate that you have recently scheduled this exam. Please contact your Member Board for further assistance. Another registration cannot be made at this time." Does this mean I passed? I am seriously freaking out.